George came back to this base around lunch time so we could go out to a couple of the job sites in order for me to get a visual of what is going on each day. We went to see a “Ms. Mary” first. She’s in her late 70’s, or older, and I believe that she lost most everything in the storm. She’s living in a Fema trailer on her property and is so thankful for all the help she’s getting. Like most, she’s probably tied up with all the red tape and has very little money to get anything done. Unfortunately most people here did not have flood insurance because it is so costly. They may have had hurricane insurance but the insurance people said that it was the flood that did all the damage and will pay nothing out to them.
Our second stop was to a middle school that was destroyed by the storm. They have what use to be the gym almost completed to be used as a community center…another section will become a warehouse to store supplies needed to build or remodel more homes. The offices for this operation willl be moved to the second level…and the remainder of the school will be demolished since it has structure damage and can’t be restored. The crew has also created a couple of areas for little league ballgames. This community is seeing Jesus through the actions of many working here and will now have an area to hear the story about Jesus. This operation is getting ready to move because this church we are working out of is up for sale and could be sold at any time. In fact, some guy came around this week and said he’d bought it so they may be out within two months…don’t have a positive answer about that right now.
We also went to a ladies house that had evacuated to Louisville and lived in some housing that was provided by our church. She’s working on her house and, with a little help, may be back living in it before the fall. She’s one of the ones that the insurance is paying zero dollars on because the water was up to the roof and she had no flood insurance. It didn’t matter about the hurricane…just the water mattered. Her home was totally gutted but she now has the walls up and she has been painting and putting down tile but she needs some help with plumbing, electrical, and trim work. She has an electrician lined up, but who knows when he’ll get to her. We are going to see if we can get her some help from the team here to finish it up and help with some yard work. You have to use an electrician from here in order to pass code, but all the other areas can be from outsiders.
New Orleans is still a mess and it will be years, if ever, before any real signs of hope will be expressed. There is damage throughout the city and it’s a vicious cycle in getting things done. It’s truly a hopeless feeling and is so overwhelming…even to us as outsiders so you can only imagine how they feel since they have some emotional attachment to here. This is HOME!
When we returned, George presented me with a white gold diamond bracelet and I was shocked. It’s a small bangle type bracelet with a row of small diamond all the way across the top…BEAUTIFUL!!! He’s truly a fantastic and God loving man that I have been blessed to be married to all these years. Thank you George. I love the many ways you spoil me each day…with or without diamonds or chocolate. That comment is in reference to his blog posting this morning… www.georgeezell.com
It’s been a good day today and the crew is all tired and ready to head back to their homes. Doing for others is an awesome feeling and we have all enjoyed our week together. The kids work so hard and I have heard no complaints or negative remarks from anyone.  Now that’s a good week!
Blessings…..Â